Electronic Nicotine Vapor Exposure Produces Differential Changes in Central amygdala Neuronal activity, Thermoregulation and Locomotor Behavior in Male Mice.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of a study examining the effects of acute and repeated exposure to electronic nicotine vapor on the central amygdala (Cea) neuronal activity, thermoregulation, and locomotion in male mice. The study uses a mouse model of nicotine vapor exposure and compares the results of acute and repeated exposure to nicotine vapor.

Key Points:

* The study used a rodent model of electronic nicotine vapor exposure to examine the cellular and behavioral consequences of acute and repeated vapor exposure.
* acute and repeated nicotine vapor exposure did not alter body weight and both exposure paradigms produced pharmacologically significant serum nicotine and cotinine levels in the 120 mg/ml nicotine group compared with PG/VG controls.
* acute exposure to electronic nicotine vapor increased Cea activity in individual neuronal firing and in expression of the molecular activity marker, cFos. The changes in neuronal activity following acute exposure were not observed following repeated exposure.
* acute and repeated nicotine vapor exposure decreased core body temperature, however acute exposure decreased locomotion while repeated exposure increased locomotion.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of electronic nicotine vapor exposure on specific brain regions and relevant physiological functions and behaviors. The findings demonstrate that nicotine vaping alters brain function in the Cea and produces dysregulation of normal body functions like thermoregulation and locomotion. as the use of electronic nicotine vapor products continues to rise, particularly among younger populations, it is crucial to continue researching their effects on the brain and body to inform public health policies and regulations.

Zhu M, Echeveste Sanchez M, Douglass Ea, et al. Electronic Nicotine Vapor Exposure Produces Differential Changes in Central amygdala Neuronal activity, Thermoregulation and Locomotor Behavior in Male Mice. eNeuro. 2021;8(4). doi:10.1523/ENEURO.0189-21.2021